The Labour Party is cautiously optimistic that for the first time since 1955 it can win the majority on the sister island. Such a scenario would inevitably mean a Labour victory in the general election.

The party is banking its hopes in its recent good showings both in the European Parliament election as well as in local council elections when it made significant inroads in places such as Qala where it won the majority for the first time.

In 2008 the frontrunner was veteran candidate Anton Refalo, followed by Justyne Caruana who got around 1,500 votes less. Joe Cordina, who at the height of the election campaign unexpectedly retired his candidature, also made a good showing in 2008 obtaining, 1,517 first-count votes.

Five years down the line established Labour candidates have to contend with the emergence of ophthalmologist Franco Mercieca who could spring a surprise.

Labour’s list also includes first-time candidate George Paul Camilleri and Anthony Attard who is contesting for the third time running.

On the other hand Xewkija mayor Monica Vella and George Zammit this time are not on Labour’s list.

2008

2013

Attard Anthony (208)

Attard Anthony

CAMILLERI GEORGE PAUL

Caruana Justyne (3,169E)

Caruana Justyne

Cordina Joseph* (1,517)

MERCIECA FRANCO

Refalo Anthony (Anton) (4,599E)

Refalo Anthony (Anton)

VELLA MONICA (548)

ZAMMIT GEORGE (144)

*Retired his nomination to contest the 2013 election

Names in caps (left) denote candidates not contesting in 2013

Names in caps (right) denote new candidates

Names in bold and italics denote MPs

(Number) indicates first count votes obtained in 2008